BBQ Chicken Tostadas Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, ultra-satisfying dinner that comes together in a flash, BBQ Chicken Tostadas are about to steal the show. Crisp corn tostadas get piled high with juicy barbecue chicken, melty cheese, and a drizzle of tangy sauce, all crowned with a sprinkling of green onions for color and crunch. With their perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors, these BBQ Chicken Tostadas are destined to become a weeknight favorite or the star of your next casual get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these BBQ Chicken Tostadas is how easy they are to pull together, especially since each ingredient plays a distinctive role in the flavor, texture, or pop of color you’ll love. A short list, but each piece is essential for a truly irresistible tostada night.

• Tostada shells: Grab store-bought shells for convenience, or bake corn tortillas in just minutes for a crisp, sturdy base.
• Cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver, but any leftover chicken works beautifully for this recipe.
• Barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy, the taste totally transforms the chicken.
• Shredded cheese: Mozzarella brings meltiness, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all deliver cheesy goodness.
• Green onions (optional): A handful of sliced green onions gives each bite a punch of freshness and a gorgeous splash of green.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Step 1: Prep and Crisp the Tostadas

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. If you’re using corn tortillas, place them on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with olive oil, and bake for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. This transforms them into sturdy, golden tostada shells that hold all those irresistible toppings. Store-bought tostada shells can be used directly on the baking sheet—no extra baking needed.

Step 2: Mix the BBQ Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, add your cooked, shredded chicken. Pour one cup of your favorite barbecue sauce over the top and toss until every piece is fully coated. Hold back that extra half-cup of sauce for a final, luscious drizzle after baking—the contrast in textures and flavors is pure magic in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas

Divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly among the tostada shells, spreading it from edge to edge. Sprinkle each one generously with your chosen shredded cheese. Aim for about a quarter cup of cheese per tostada so you get that perfect melted blanket over the barbecue goodness.

Step 4: Bake Until Melty

Pop the baking sheets into the oven for 6 to 8 minutes. You want the cheese to melt fully and get a little bubbly. The smell alone is enough to get everyone to the table in record time!

Step 5: Add Saucy Finishes and Garnishes

Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining half-cup of barbecue sauce across the tostadas. Scatter thinly sliced green onions on top for a fresh, vivid finish. The result—BBQ Chicken Tostadas that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Garnishes

No tostada is complete without a flourish of finishing touches! I love showering the tops with extra green onions, a squeeze of lime for brightness, or sliced jalapeños if you like a little heat. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro can also add creamy or herbal notes that really make the BBQ chicken pop.

Side Dishes

Round out your BBQ Chicken Tostadas with sides that add contrasting flavors and textures. Think crisp cabbage slaw, creamy black beans, or a bright corn salad. Even a bowl of chips with vibrant salsa or guacamole will complement the smoky, cheesy goodness on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving a crowd or just want to make dinner fun? Try setting up a DIY tostada bar with all the toppings laid out in bowls. Let everyone customize their own BBQ Chicken Tostadas! Mini tostadas also make a festive appetizer, perfect for parties or game night grazing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Tostadas are best stored by separating the components. Keep the barbecue chicken and cheese mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and store your tostada shells in a sealed bag at room temperature. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess when you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

The BBQ chicken mixture freezes beautifully. Pop it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label it, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and use it for fresh tostadas or even in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the chicken and cheese onto fresh tostada shells and bake at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, about 8–10 minutes. If the chicken is already hot, just a few minutes is all you’ll need for the cheese to melt. Avoid microwaving assembled tostadas, as this can make the shells soft instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for BBQ Chicken Tostadas?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a huge timesaver, making these BBQ Chicken Tostadas quick enough for any weeknight. Just shred and toss with barbecue sauce as directed—so easy and delicious.

What barbecue sauce is best for this recipe?

Go with your personal favorite—sweet, smoky, spicy, or even homemade. The barbecue sauce you love most will really shine in these BBQ Chicken Tostadas, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect match.

Can I make these BBQ Chicken Tostadas gluten free?

Yes! Just be sure you’re using certified gluten free corn tostadas and a barbecue sauce without any added gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check the labels to keep it safe and delicious.

What other toppings go well on BBQ Chicken Tostadas?

These tostadas are fantastic with diced red onion, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or thin-sliced radishes. Feel free to get creative and mix up your toppings each time you serve them!

How can I make the tostada shells if I can’t find them in the store?

Easy—just brush corn tortillas with a little olive oil and bake on a baking sheet at 350°F for 3–5 minutes per side. They come out perfectly crispy and ready to be topped with BBQ Chicken Tostada goodness.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Tostadas bring all the comfort, bold flavors, and smiles you want from a homemade meal—without a marathon in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to tostadas or already a fan, I can’t recommend these enough. Give them a try for dinner this week and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds!”

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